"It’s a sad fact that many swaths of Johannesburg aren’t exactly walkable, but that’s not the case at Melrose Arch, a trendy complex filled with some of the city’s hottest restaurants, galleries, and shops. Guests are in the heart of the action if they book a stay at the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, a slick property with 118 stylish, contemporary rooms adorned with modern African art. And now that the hotel falls under the Marriott family umbrella, guests can expect all sorts of perks and upgrades associated with the brand."

"When business began moving away from downtown Joburg, Sandton became the city’s new commercial hub, with corporate headquarters and mega-malls aplenty—though one wouldn’t guess it while staying at AtholPlace Hotel, which feels a world away. Despite its central location just a few blocks from the heart of Sandton, AtholPlace retains a secluded air, offering the ultimate urban oasis. Spend busy days taking care of business or splurging in the glossy Sandton City mall, then head for this chic, contemporary retreat. After meetings or a hectic shopping spree, guests can unwind in the heated pool, relax in front of the fireplace in the cozy library, or just read a book in the bird-filled gardens."

"The suburb of Rosebank has the best of both worlds: it’s home to major commercial hot spots, but it also boasts peaceful pockets of lush lanes. The understated Clico Boutique Hotel sits in one of the latter areas, but guests will be surprised to discover that it’s just a few minutes’ walk from some of the city’s liveliest eateries and shops. It’s all about personalized attention at Clico, and the nine rooms make it easy for staff to attend to guests’ every whim. The chef can customize menus, and the staff will dote on guests with a smile—even making sure they toast the sunset with a glass of Veuve Clicquot in hand. When staying in a hotel named Clico, after all, one can rest assured champagne will be flowing freely."

"It’s all about Old World elegance at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa. Upon arrival, guests are immediately transported from bustling Johannesburg to a bucolic French countryside château. With names like Empire, Provençal, and Bismarck, the suites evoke a European feel, complete with frescoed walls, gilded details, and canopied beds. But don’t be fooled by the lavish decor. This isn’t a stodgy affair. The Fairlawns is a 21st-century abode, with all the fittings to match: plush linens, rain showers, underfloor heating, and free Wi-Fi, to name a few. The Balinese spa and the celebrated high tea have helped make the hotel a fixture on the Joburg social scene, so guests are likely to bump into local movers and shakers as they stroll along the rolling lawns."

"When the Four Seasons took over Johannesburg 's celebrated Westcliff Hotel (a colonial-style grande dame that was admittedly fraying around the edges), its brief was clear: update the tired ambience with a cutting-edge makeover. For its first property in South Africa, the luxe hotel group spared no expense, closing the hotel down for a year and a half until they were satisfied with the full revamp, which debuted in December 2014. The new Four Seasons has modern elegance in spades, from the minimalist View restaurant (the main feature here is, as the name suggests, the panoramic view over Johannesburg’s lush landscape) to the 117 rooms outfitted with chrome details and local contemporary art. For generations, the Westcliff has been the bastion of Johannesburg’s most rarefied citizens, who decamped to the hotel for special occasions or met for high tea on the terrace. With its new look, the property is ready to welcome back its longtime clientele while opening doors to a more youthful set in the process."

"Hyatt Regency All the trappings one would expect from a Hyatt—sleek design, attentive service, and plenty of amenities—are in a prime location in Rosebank: Johannesburg ’s Hyatt Regency checks all the requisite boxes for a work trip. When there is time for play—or when done browsing the hotel’s 27 shops and relaxing in the Amani spa—guests can walk next door to the Firs Shopping Centre for more window-shopping or bowling or a movie at the Zone complex. A convenient location close to the Gautrain station makes for easy access from the airport, and the spacious rooms and top-notch breakfasts make lengthy stays a treat."

"Many Johannesburg hotels fall into two categories: elegant and Old World, or pleasantly bland. The Peech is determined to create its own category as Joburg’s go-to style-centric, edgy design hotel. The 16 rooms have sleek decor with vibrant contemporary African motifs (brightly colored patterns, funky wallpaper, animal-hide rugs), and the lobby feels more like a cozy alpine living room. The beautiful gardens around which the rooms are clustered beckon guests to relax with a book in the hammock, with nothing but the soundtrack of chirping birds to distract them. But as far-removed from bustling Johannesburg as the Peech may feel, guests are never too far from the action. Melrose Arch is just a few minutes’ drive away."

"The tony suburb of Houghton, whose best-known resident was Nelson Mandela, is home to leafy lanes lined with stately estates. Not too far from the Mandela family manse is the Residence, a stylish boutique property that lives up to its name, evoking a private lair of a chic distant relative that guests are fortunate enough to visit for a spell. The rooms are plush, with velvet headboards, sumptuous rugs, and glittering chandeliers, but the bathrooms are a sight to behold: the gleaming marble tiles and outdoor showers and tubs merit a special mention. Nods to the nautical can be found in the Boat Lounge, where mini sailboats and life preservers inspire the decor. There’s often a pianist tickling the ivories in the Piano Lounge, where guests can retire with a post-prandial cocktail."

"Welcome to the best layover of all time. The Saxon gently lulls guests into safari mode, enveloping them in its sophisticated African-chic decor and earthy tones. Name-droppers will love the Saxon: Nelson Mandela stayed here while writing his autobiography; more than a few heads of state have slept here; and stars such as Will Smith and Bono have decamped here (Justin Bieber even hid out here with his entourage, though that might not be a selling point). Despite the names it attracts, the Saxon nonetheless manages to make sure each guest feels like an A-lister. No whim is overlooked, from the decadent dinners to the tranquil spa treatments. It’s the ultimate welcome to South Africa—next stop, the bush."